Although the recorded sound is not the most flattering, and the playing of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra hardly matches the discipline and tonal richness of the finest international groups, this latest instalment in Naxos' mammoth Glazunov series remains well worth its absurdly modest asking price. As the imposing introduction immediately reveals, Alexander Anissimov takes a thoughtful view of Glazunov's Sixth Symphony (1896), yet the first movement's main allegro lacks nothing in purposeful vigour. Instead of the traditional slow movement and scherzo, Glazunov gives us a highly inventive theme and variations (with plentiful echoes of Tchaikovsky's four orchestral suites) and a charming, olden-style "intermezzo" (a Russian menuet antique, if you like). Again, Anissimov's direction impresses in its unfussy warmth and agreeable depth of characterisation. Alas, the finale is a big let-down, an uncomfortably repetitious, rhythmically lumpen essay that not even Anissimov and his enthusiastic Muscovites can redeem. The coupling is a rarity. Both Rimsky-Korsakov and Balakirev were critical of Glazunov's 1887 orchestral fantasy The Forest, but it proves a thoroughly engaging discovery, and Anissimov and company are suitably responsive to its fragrant atmosphere and colourful programme. --Andrew Achenbach